Quick Read
- WWE Royal Rumble 2026 will be held on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Paige (Saraya) is rumored for a WWE return after her AEW departure in March 2025 and a recent independent wrestling appearance using her WWE theme.
- Chris Jericho, Brie Bella, Dolph Ziggler, and Omos are also heavily rumored to make surprise returns at the event.
- Paige has publicly expressed her desire to return to WWE in multiple interviews.
- The event marks a significant international staging for WWE outside North America.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – Anticipation is building for WWE Royal Rumble 2026, set to take place on January 31 in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with rampant speculation focusing on the potential return of several high-profile stars, most notably former Divas Champion Paige. Her rumored comeback, alongside other free agents and familiar faces, promises to make this year’s event particularly memorable, especially given its historic staging outside North America.
Paige’s Path Back to WWE
Paige, who has been wrestling under the name Saraya since her departure from WWE, stepped away from the active wrestling scene in March 2025 after leaving All Elite Wrestling (AEW). However, her recent surprise appearance at Insane Wrestling Revolution in December 2025, where she entered to her classic WWE theme music, ignited a flurry of speculation regarding a potential return to her former company. According to TJR Wrestling, Paige has openly expressed her desire to return to WWE in multiple interviews, making the Royal Rumble — an event known for its dramatic comebacks — a seemingly perfect stage for a shocking reappearance.
Her history in WWE, marked by both championship success and a career-threatening neck injury, has always kept her a fan favorite. A return at such a significant international event would undoubtedly generate immense buzz and could signal a new chapter in her storied career, potentially in a full-time wrestling capacity if she is medically cleared, or in a non-wrestling role.
High-Profile Returns Fuel Royal Rumble Excitement
Beyond Paige, the Royal Rumble 2026 is buzzing with rumors of several other major stars making surprise appearances. Chris Jericho, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, is widely rumored to be WWE-bound. His contract with AEW reportedly expired at the end of 2025, making him a free agent and a prime candidate for a dramatic return that the WWE Universe has reportedly been awaiting for weeks.
Another name generating significant traction is Brie Bella. Her twin sister, Nikki Bella, made a high-profile return at last year’s Royal Rumble, and the possibility of ‘Twin Magic’ hitting the 2026 event is a strong talking point. Nikki Bella herself hinted on their podcast, “The Nikki & Brie Show,” that Brie was preparing for a comeback at WWE’s Evolution event in 2025, though that particular return never materialized.
Dolph Ziggler, currently thriving in TNA Wrestling, is also a subject of return speculation. Given TNA’s evolving partnership with WWE, a one-off appearance or even a full-time jump – similar to Matt Cardona’s recent TNA-to-WWE switch – is considered plausible. Ziggler previously made a one-off appearance for WWE earlier this year in John Cena’s “Last Time is Now” tournament, losing to Solo Sikoa.
Lastly, the towering Omos, absent from WWE programming since April 2024, has been seen promoting the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia alongside stars like Randy Orton and Liv Morgan. This promotional involvement strongly suggests that his return to the ring during the men’s Royal Rumble match is highly probable, as it would be illogical to feature him in promotional activities without an in-ring appearance.
The Strategic Importance of Surprise Entrants
The Royal Rumble match is renowned for its element of surprise, with unannounced entrants often becoming the biggest talking points of the event. These unexpected appearances not only provide nostalgic moments for long-time fans but also serve as strategic moves for WWE to introduce new talent, bring back former stars, or set up future storylines. The 2026 event, being held in a significant international market like Saudi Arabia, amplifies the importance of these moments, as they generate global media attention and enhance the spectacle for a worldwide audience.
While the highly anticipated match between AJ Styles and Gunther is expected to deliver a main event spectacle, it is often the surprise returns that truly steal the show and define a Royal Rumble’s legacy. The inclusion of names like Paige, Chris Jericho, and Brie Bella would not only elevate the star power but also signal WWE’s intent to leverage its deep roster and connections to create compelling, must-watch television.
The strategic deployment of high-profile surprise returns at the Royal Rumble, particularly for an event staged in a key international market like Saudi Arabia, underscores WWE’s commitment to generating global buzz and reinforcing its position as a premier entertainment brand. These moments are crucial for driving narrative momentum and satisfying fan expectations for unpredictability and star power.